Saudi Arabia Strikes $5B Wing Loong-3 Drone Deal with China, Snubbing US Amid Iran Tensions
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Saudi Arabia's $5 Billion China Drone Deal: 48 'Hunter' UAVs Annually in Jeddah
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News18•07-03-2026, 16:42
Saudi Arabia's $5 Billion China Drone Deal: 48 'Hunter' UAVs Annually in Jeddah
•Saudi Arabia signs a $5 billion defense deal with China, establishing a Wing Loong-3 drone assembly line in Jeddah.
•The Jeddah factory will produce 48 advanced Wing Loong-3 'hunter' drones annually, significantly boosting Saudi defense capabilities.
•Wing Loong-3 features include 0.3-second target recognition, 40% improved anti-jamming, 40-hour flight duration, and over 10,000 km operational range.
•The deal supports Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering domestic production, technology transfer, and creating high-tech employment opportunities.
•China's move challenges US dominance, with a Riyadh logistics hub and pilot training, enhancing Saudi Arabia's self-reliance and regional security.
